We need to beat Hannover to keep the pressure on, says Kovac

Niko Kovac insists his Bayern Munich side have to win against Hannover as they look to move into second-place in the Bundesliga.

Bayern go into the game with back-to-back league wins and have qualified top of their Champions League group after a 3-3 draw with Ajax on Wednesday.

Head coach Kovac came under pressure in November when his side lost to title leaders Borussia Dortmund and went three successive league matches without a win.

Speaking in a press conference, Kovac said his side were firmly focused on the league ahead of the winter break.

‘We now have three more Bundesliga games left,’ Kovac said.

‘We’re behind, so we need to win to keep up the pressure. A win is a must.

‘We need discipline in attack and defence, and the same mentality and passion we showed on Wednesday.’

Kovac goes into the game without the experience of winger Arjen Robben who will miss the rest of the year because of a problem with the muscle insertion in his thigh, although he is expected to be fit for the training camp in Qatar starting on January 4.

Thomas Muller will find out the fate of his red card against Ajax in the new year, with the UEFA disciplinary body set to decide on the length of the suspension on January 10.

On the opposition, the Bayern head coach said: ‘The crowd will do everything to help the team make life difficult for us.

‘They have a lot of pace up front and they were unlucky to drop points last weekend.’

Hannover currently sit second from bottom in the league, just two points above Fortuna Dusseldorf and have won just twice all season.

Head coach Andre Breitenreiter told the club website his side have the opportunity to cause an upset when they host the Bavarian outfit.

‘We can’t give anything away – not against any opponents we need points.

‘Bayern’s performances have steadied. We have the opportunity to cause a shock here at home.’